How to Approach Implementation
Posted on Thu, Aug 11, 2011
By Robert Birley, Director of Engineering for ASG
When asked how he would tackle the implementation problem, Robert Birley, the Director of Engineering for ASG gave his insight and expertise into how to manage expectations, create a clear project, program and process to ultimately implement the plan!
• What is the first thing you do when approaching a project? Begin by reviewing what you created to get the project approved. What factors were you trying to resolve? Did you hit each of them during implementation? Be sure to list out the risks that will be resolved and identify any business risks while the project is underway. Finally, determine timelines and work on internal customer communications so that your staff knows who, what, where, why, and when.
• How can your clients work best with service vendors such as ASG to ensure good project planning and execution? Work collaboratively. Agree to a clear and definable scope. Let expectations be known concerning company standards so that the provider of the services can understand and strive to meet those expectations. Remember that projects fail due to poor planning and poor communication. Understand how the provider delivers a project and make sure the service provider has a well-defined process or, better, methodology, to handle all phases of a project.
• How do you handle customers, clients and internal peers when problems arise? Problem resolution protocols should be determined up front. It all starts with communication, communication and communication. All projects have hurdles but the more everyone talks openly about the issues and how a process of resolution can be formulated, the quicker the team can resolve the problem and the less the business is impacted.
• In what ways can you measure the success of a project? If possible, get an independent professional services group, like ASG, to help you create a baseline of performance of your people, processes and tools. This can be used to begin your metrics program. The goal is to move the needle on cost, process efficiencies and creating business value. Use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs ) to weight and score the project. Define goals and ways they can be measured (budget, schedule, quality, etc…). Review them with the team before, during and after the project. Always remember that projects are successful when a process is put in place and it is followed!
Summary
Although all the answers above are critical, remember that the most important asset a service provider can provide is knowledge and experience organized within a methodology that delivers solutions in a way that makes your security team more valuable. Do not settle for less. Move the needle through collaboration with knowledgeable, disciplined and experienced partners.
Come back next week for our next installment in The Business Problem!
Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net